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On Tenerife it is forever springtime, the sunny climate, glorious flowers, balmy temperatures and majestic scenery make it a perfect antidote to a cold winter. A rugged and spectacular island, it has an incredible variety of landscapes to explore.

On this varied twin-centre walking holiday, you stay in both the east and west of the island and with a hire car provided, it is easy to discover the most dramatic and unknown regions the island has to offer. You begin in the Anaga Rural Park in the east, where plunging valleys of the subtropical, magical 'laurisilva' forest and steep terraces of vines are dotted with tiny white washed cottages and friendly local bars welcome walkers with open arms. You then cross over to the west where spectacular circular walks take you past crimson lava flows and shattered rock pinnacles below the snow-capped summit of Mount Teide, whose National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At almost half the height of Everest, it towers over the entire island! The authenticity of the 'Isla Baja' area is fiercely protected and the town of Garachico has won awards for its preservation.

For the first part of your holiday, you stay near Guimar in a gorgeous traditional Spanish finca with a lovely pool, where spacious rooms have pretty terraces with mountain views, set amongst avocado and citrus trees. In the west, your base is a beautifully converted nobleman's mansion in the coastal fishing village of Garachico, where we've left you free to choose your restaurant for dinner as there is a wealth of choice in the pretty cobbled traditional streets.

Day-by-day itinerary

Walking information

We provide notes for the 6 walks in this itinerary plus alternatives on 2 days to allow you to explore Los Organos and
the Barranco del Infierno. Walks are on a selection of forest trails, rural tracks and rocky paths and walkers should
be comparatively fit, confident and sure footed. Short sections of Roque Bermejo and Los Organos require a head
for heights. Walking boots are essential.
* As recommended walks do not start directly
from the hotels, a hire car is included in your
holiday price.

Day 1 - Arrive in Tenerife

You arrive at Tenerife airport where you pick up your hire car for the 40 minute drive to your hotel.(Staying at La Finca Salamanca, Half Board)

Day 2 - Chamorga and Roque Bermejo 10km/6.5mi/3.5hr or 11km/7mi/4hr

Descend from Chamorga, a tiny hill village lost in time, through the dramatic Bermejo Gorge. You'll pass neat terraces, fig and orange trees before reaching tiny fisherman's houses below the lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. An ascent leads to several spectacular picnic spots, before a fennel fringed path though the magical 'laurisilva' forest offers dramatic views of the north coast. A gentle descent takes you back to Chamorga, where you can relax with a drink in Bar Alvaro listening to the local gossip.(Staying at La Finca Salamanca, Half Board)

Day 3 - Las Casas de Afur 6km/4mi/2hr or 13km/8mi/4.5hr

From the central ridge of the Anaga peninsula with ocean views to both north and south, you descend on laurel forest hill paths dotted with pink pericallis bringing you to high terraces above tiny afur's chapel spire. Picnic in the terraces or enjoy a copa de vino in the village cafe, before ascending past bright white cottages nestled in blood red rocks, above miniature vineyards. Back at the hotel, relax with a swim or a cold drink on your terrace taking in the mountain views.(Staying at La Finca Salamanca, Half Board)

Day 4 - Parque Nacional del Teide 11km/7mi/3.5hr

You drive to the rich oranges and ambers of Mount Teide's jagged lava fields today, stark beneath azure skies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the walk in the caldera, Berthelot's pipits flit above bright Teide broom as you skirt lava flows below Monte Guajara. You return past shattered rock formations and colourful Teide daisies to the Parador cafe. Perhaps enjoy a late lunch before driving on to coastal Garachico.(Staying at La Quinta Roja, Breakfast only)

Day 5 - The Masca Ridge 7km/4.5mi/3.5hr

Exhilarating is today's keyword as you climb and cross the commanding ridge south of the Masca Gorge, enjoying breathtaking views. You'll be intoxicated by the amazing multi-coloured medley of red, pink, orange and gold rocks. You follow an old mule track, formerly used to carry grain from the cereal fields and picnic in the threshing circle with wonderful views across the sea and out to La Gomera.(Staying at La Quinta Roja, Breakfast only)

Day 6 - Roque Blanco 9km/6mi/4hr

From Santiago del Teide, a loop takes you to a spectacular ridge near the distinctive golden slopes of Roque Blanco. You'll pass terraces of flowering cacti and the most remote working farm on the island. Tremendous views of La Gomera and Mount Teide. This evening relax with the locals at the bandstand bar in the leafy main square of Garachico.(Staying at La Quinta Roja, Breakfast only)

Day 7 - Landscapes of Teno Alto 11km/7mi/4hr

This dramatic and rewarding walk explores part of the Teno Rural Park where the local culture, scarcely changed over hundreds of years, continues in remote scattered hamlets. It's a landscape of knife-edged ridges, plunging valleys and spectacular coastline culminating in stunning views from Monte Baracan.(Staying at La Quinta Roja, Breakfast only)

Leave Garachico

Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking. You can call our sales team on 1-800-567-6286 to discuss accommodation options.

Finca Salamanca, Güimar (4 Acorn)

NEARBY:

The Finca Salamanca is located just 1.5km from the town of Güimar, near to the east coast of Tenerife. It is located in the heart of a country estate that has been farmed for the last five generations by the Robayna Garcia family.

With so much space the hotel buildings are pleasantly spread out, with the guest bedrooms beautifully presented. All have tile floors, attractive wooden farmhouse style furniture, sparkling bathrooms and pretty terraces with views of the mountains that catch the sun.

All prices shown above are valid from 24/05/2017. Upgrade supplement prices are per person per night, based on two people sharing.
Superior rooms are larger with hair dryers and a bathrobe.
Junior Suites are very spacious with a lounge and views of the farm from the terrace.
Bungalows are extremely spacious with separate lounge and bedroom (Double or Twin) with private parking.

Dates

Single room

Double room

01/11/2016 - 30/11/2016

£76

£66

01/12/2016 - 22/12/2016

£66

£56

23/12/2016 - 31/12/2016

£92

£82

01/01/2017 - 31/01/2017

£86

£66

01/02/2017 - 07/04/2017

£86

£76

11/10/2017 - 31/10/2017

£84

£72

01/11/2017 - 30/11/2017

£100

£88

01/12/2017 - 22/12/2017

£84

£72

23/12/2017 - 31/12/2017

£120

£108

01/01/2018 - 31/01/2018

£84

£72

01/02/2018 - 07/04/2018

£100

£88

All prices shown above are valid from 24/05/2017. Extra nights prices are per person per night including evening meal.
Christmas and New Year Supplements for gala dinners
25/12/2016 add £45 per person
31/12/2016 add £55 per person
25/12/2017 add £52 per person
31/12/2017 add £65 per person

Hotel La Quinta Roja, Garachico (4 Acorn)

NEARBY:

La Quinta Roja is a restored nobleman's mansion right next to the village square in Garachico, so you could not be more central.

They have preserved all that is historic and beautiful - ancient wooden boards on the first floor balcony enclosing the central courtyard, and the original stone stairs for example, while modern and luxurious touches heighten the appeal of a stay here. The varied room dimensions, towelling robes in the bedrooms, marbled bathrooms and modern comforts add to the quirky but compelling style. Our rooms here are the 'Doble Plus' ones shown on the hotel website.

All prices shown above are valid from 24/05/2017. Upgrade supplement prices are per person per night, based on two people sharing.
Junior suites offer more space than a standard room and have an entrance hall. They are situated on the second floor, with views over the town square.

Dates

Single room

Double room

01/10/2016 - 23/12/2016

£84

£56

24/12/2016 - 02/01/2017

£96

£66

03/01/2017 - 31/01/2017

£94

£64

01/02/2017 - 13/04/2017

£104

£78

14/04/2017 - 30/04/2017

£94

£64

01/10/2017 - 23/12/2017

£102

£70

24/12/2017 - 02/01/2018

£110

£80

03/01/2018 - 31/01/2018

£98

£68

01/02/2018 - 13/04/2018

£106

£68

14/04/2018 - 30/04/2018

£98

£76

All prices shown above are valid from 24/05/2017. Extra nights prices are per person per night including breakfast.

Travel

Tour-only prices exclude flights but include a Europcar Group B air-conditioned hire car which you collect from/return to Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus, of course, an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted straight to our website - totally unedited. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Ms Bursey24/02/2017

Delightful hotels and well-planned walks in fabulous places worlds away from the tourist areas for which Tenerife is better known.

Mr Daines27/01/2017

Tenerife has dramatic scenery & provides enjoyable, reasonably challenging hiking in a wonderful climate. Garachico is a gem of a town with lovely restaurants and the Quinta Roja provides lovely accommodation in a central location,

There is a quite a bit of driving involved on often winding roads, so this holiday would suit those who would see this an enjoyable aspect of the trip.

Some of the walking I would see at the upper end of 2 boot, not because of the distances but due to the mountainous nature of the terrain.

All in all a very enjoyable holiday!

Mrs Mitchell31/03/2016

We had a very good holiday, the hotels were ideal and well located. We had no contact with any Headwater representative in Tenerife. Before the holiday your staff were concerned about oldies like us tackling the walks in Tenerife and did their best to put us off instead of helping us find a solution locally.

Headwater response:Dear Mrs Mitchell,
Thank you for taking the time to complete your post-holiday questionnaire. It was lovely to read you had an enjoyable holiday overall. We were however sorry to read you did not receive your welcome brief. As highlighted in your holiday information booklet, due to the logistics of this holiday, we do not have a dedicated Headwater rep based in Tenerife, although, we do provide an in person welcome brief on arrival and offer 24/7 emergency assistance should this be required. However, due to the varying times our customers arrive, we ask that you contact your rep pre travel to arrange a suitable time for this, we are sorry if this was not clear. In future, the rep will also try to contact our customers on the evening of arrival and where possible, will deliver the welcome brief over the phone as required.
Our sales team are experts on the holidays they sell, having tested them directly. When customers are seeking guidance on holiday suitability, our main goal is to ensure we provide thorough information to ensure our customers have the best holiday experience possible. We are sorry you do not feel this was delivered on this occasion.
In closing, we would like to thank you for choosing Headwater and look forward to welcoming you on another of our holidays in the future.
Kind regards, Headwater customer service team

Mr Lloyd18/03/2016

Very different from our usual breaks, it was hard work but worth it. We would never have found these gems, and driving to them along the twisty mountain roads was half the adventure! The hotels were lovely, although quinta roja was a pain to get the bags and suitcases from the car, it was more than worth it.

Mrs Emmett27/02/2016

We found the first day hard: getting used to a new car, parking in a busy town to get lunch as suggested by the guide, an awkward and long drive to and from the start point and a very challenging walk. Rather too much for the first day. We suggest an easier itinerary for the first day would be preferable. We enjoyed a rest next day in the delightful little beach resort near the hotel. We enjoyed the transit day; an amazing drive and excellent FLAT walk near Mt Teide! The drive down into Garachic... read moreo was exciting but we had got used to the car by then. Being in the centre of town was great. We found the walk in Teno Alto the best of all because of the diverse landscapes and exciting ridge walk. We had a second rest day with a pleasant and rewarding drive to Punto de Teno and some beach time. Finally we did most of the Masca Ridge en route to the airport. Unfortunately we were thwarted by a no entry sign on a gate not mentioned in the notes, but after wasting some time looking for a different route, clearly going through it was the best way forward. Overall this was a really good holiday, a few challenges but that is part of the fun. We were pleasantly surprised by how interesting and beautiful we found Tenerife to be, helped by the perfect weather we enjoyed.

Mrs George08/02/2016

Stunning scenery and great walking destination. Great climate for Jan/Feb.

Mr Jamieson08/12/2015

We did all the walks in the itinerary except the Las Casas de Afur as it promised to be simply a descent of 700m on difficult footing followed an unrelenting climb (or bus trip) back up. As reasonably fit 70s we coped with all the others, but considered most to be at the top end of Headwaters two boot category because of the generally rocky terrain and occasional need for a head for heights

We found the individual walk descriptions out-of-date. In several cases there had been w... read moreelcome improvements such as better waymaking and resurfaced roads (the Chamorga walk). But on the Los Organos walk we had to retrace our steps after 4km as a key section of path has been closed on safety grounds since at least February 2015. Yet Headwater still included the walk in our package.

As all the walks are some distance from the hotels a lot of driving is involved, much on twisting mountain roads; we did 700km in seven days (including 60 minutes each way for the aborted Los Organos walk). Not a problem for us, but it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

While sun hat, sunscreen and water are rightly mentioned as essential, layers of clothing and gloves are equally important as most of the walks approach 1000m (2000m in the case on the Teide National Park). In the winter months it can be quite cold at those altitudes, especially on cloudy days.

As for hotels, the Finca Salamanca is adequate, but lacks atmosphere. The Quinta Roja in Garachico (a lovely town with traditional architecture) is very good and is close to a range of restaurants. We enjoyed the fish restaurant, Aristides, just cross the square. In neither hotel did the staff show much knowledge of, or interest in, the Headwater programme of walks.

Overall, the holiday was a great way to explore the far corners and roof of Tenerife, but the balance of the overall programme and the individual walk descriptions need more attention to detail by Headwater.

Mrs Lecutier29/03/2015

We realised that one boot is probably our level. We consider ourselves to be reasonably fit. However that is reasonably fit for a 64 and 68 yr old!We found the walks that we did very demanding and it took us a lot longer.Maybe the memory is very selective but I don't remember the 2 boot walks in Majorca being as strenuous. The weather was also against us so we only managed to walk for 2 1/2 days. The moving on day we decided to have a day off . In fact when we reached the Teide National Park it ... read morewas1 deg C and snowing. The car in front was struggling to move forward and skidding in the middle of the road. After a while we realised we were not able to continue as he was skidding and sliding back nearer us. We carefully did an almost 18 point turn and descended back to the coast! Incredibly as we travelled the coast road to Garachico it was 21 deg C in one area.

Mr Britton07/03/2015

The Two Boots rating was optimistic - this was markedly harder and rougher than our previous Two Boots holidays. The length of the drives to the first two walks was excessive - perhaps a hotel can be found nearer the Anaga peninsula?The Las Casas de Afur walk was very slippery on the descent, not a good way to start the tour! Various paths in the Los Organos woods are closed at present, so we had to create our own walk. The parking for the Masca Ridge walk was very congested - an alternative wo... read moreuld be useful. It all came together at the end of the week, with excellent weather on the last three days, and Garachico is a very appealing resort.

Mrs Robertson06/03/2015

Although we are very fit over 60s we all found the walks tougher than expected due to rocky and steep terrain, damp weather making surfaces slippery and precipitous paths. We found walking poles to be essential especially on slippery descents. Scenery spectacular as was flora and fauna.

We wished we had had more time to explore Garachico and will return there and the surrounding areas of Tenerife in future. Many of the villages have such beautiful architecture and we would like to try the really 'local looking' restaurants where we believe we could try even more local dishes than those served by the more European establishments.

Mr Patterson07/02/2015

An enjoyable holiday but far too much car travel (often on narrow mountain roads) for the amount of walking. It is perhaps a little too early in the year for this destination as the weather was quite wintery with low clouds on the mountain paths.

Mrs Harman06/12/2014

We enjoyed ourselves enormously. Both the hotels were great and staying in a little harbour town during a storm was certainly interesting. The weather was mixed and stopped us doing all the walks but I had bought a walks book for Tenerife and that was really useful as it had alternatives for the days when it was raining and cloudy in the mountains. Someone on your website suggested it and I really recommend anyone to do that. The recommended walks were good but we found them rather harder tha... read moren expected and Everything took Longer both walks and driving. My partner works overseas a lot and is used to all sorts of driving but the timing was a bit optimistic. Also the instructions are not always very useful, partly because they are somethimes out of date. However, the map you provided was excellent. Overall it was a lovely holiday. We liked the contrast of the two hotels - the country stay at Salamanco with its botanic garden and swimming pool and being right on the square at Garachico. The receptionist at Garachico (Erasma) was most helpful re restaurants and we had some delicious evening meals at a variety of restaurants.

Mr Pomfrett14/11/2014

a great variety of interseting walks in fantastic landscapes

Mrs Young07/03/2014

A pity the 2 centre non guided holiday appears to be absent from your latest brochure. There are so many varied walks from both Guimar and Garachico. It would be possible to have a 2 week holiday staying at each place for a week. Some of the small coastal towns, Icod and Oratavia are interesting and also the Pyramids of Guimar museum. These could be visited if there was dense cloud on the ridges. The Rother Walking Guide to Tenerife had many additional walks which we adapted to the weather condi... read moretions. An outstanding easy walk was the Malpais de Guimar. The paths are usually well signposted with a TF number.

Mr Bisby01/02/2014

Our week on the Highlights of Tenerife trip was good, but I think that customers should be aware of a) the weather in the north of the island may be nowhere as good as in the south and is often wet at this time of year (January), b) there is a fair amount of driving on this tour to get to the walks.

Mr Rutherford19/12/2013

Does what it said in the brochure

Mr Freeman09/03/2013

The holiday was all we were hoping for ; the hotels of a good standard, the walks challenging but not impossible and well selected to give us a good flavour of the island of Tenerife. Walk descriptions and instructions were excellent.

Mr Hildrew24/11/2012

We had an excellent holiday, and saw the loveliest parts of Tenerife. This really is a 'two boot' holiday, at least. Some of the walks were very challenging, but the views were fantastic and we were pleased to have done them. Two nice hotels, and Garachico, in particular, is a pleasant little town. The pyramids of Guima are certainly worth a visit and the notes might suggest that more strongly. The driving too was a challenge, with hairpin bends going on almost for ever - but, again, it was all ... read moreworthwhile. We would recommend this trip to anyone who is reasonably active and able to walk up steep hills!

Mrs Robertshaw17/04/2012

We had agreat time, [particularly at Garachicco where the hotel was lovely and the walks especially the Masca Ridge were excellent.

Mrs Tracy17/04/2012

Very enjoyable.

A great holiday.

Thank you.

Mr Plumb26/03/2012

an excellent holiday, and the hotel staff very welcoming, clearly expecting us.

Mr Spedding26/03/2012

Enjoyable: excellent accommodation and walking

Mr Waller17/03/2012

Pretty good!

Mr Harper17/03/2012

Walking notes need updated in places, unfortunately I did not have a pen to take notes

Mrs Penrose11/02/2012

We thoroughly enjoyed it although were not able to take advantage of all the walks due to the comments in the next box: we had to use the local bus services for a few days before hiring a car.

Mr Boyle10/02/2012

Just what we have come to expect from headwater over the years.

Mr Butler10/02/2012

Excellent walking in very varied and interesting landscapes. The only downside was the amount of driving involved on tortuous roads.

Mr Williams27/01/2012

Very enjoyable, but some of the guidance notes need updating due to recent changes in road layout, new signing on paths etc, repainting of buildings a different colour!

Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday. Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.

For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-567-6286 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).

The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Other detailsThe above tour-only prices exclude flights but include a Europcar Group B air-conditioned hire car which you collect from/return to Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport.
Car hire is subject to minimum 2 people per booking.

Tailor-made travel

Tour onlyTour-only prices exclude flights but include a Europcar Group B air-conditioned hire car which you collect from/return to Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport.

How to book

For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-567-6286 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).

Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for Highlights of Tenerife Walk. Simply complete the form below and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.

Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 1-800-567-6286 to discuss your requirements in more detail.

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